A groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the Aga Khan Medical Center has been held in Khorog, the capital of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO).

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Shodikhon Jamshed, Governor of GBAO, and Mr. Akbar Ali Pesnani, Resident Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan. 

They laid the time capsule with a message to future generations in the foundation of the medical facility building. 

At first, the medical institution is expected to serve 48 patients, then this figure will increase to 254 during three years.  The center will also cater for the border regions of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province.

GBAO Governor Shodikhon Jamshed appreciated AKDN’s support for improvement of socioeconomic situation in Tajikistan, particularly in Gorno Badakhshan.   

For his part, Mr. Akbar Ali Pesnani expressed gratitude to the Government of Tajikistan for support for the  implementation of various social programs in the regions of the country.  He expressed confidence that cooperation would be continued.

According to him, the new medical center will not only improve the quality of medical service in the region but will also assist with training of skilled medical specialists.    

Turas Company is building the new medical center in Khorog.  Most builders are reportedly local residents.    

Although the center is a private organization, financial difficulties reportedly do not create obstacles to the provision of medical services to the needy.